Although it took a little while to get used to its graininess, I really liked that the day moisturizer had sunscreen (something that dermatologists have told us time and time again to include in our routine)! - Product received for free from... +
Although it took a little while to get used to its graininess, I really liked that the day moisturizer had sunscreen (something that dermatologists have told us time and time again to include in our routine)!
- Product received for free from Crown Labs (Canada) in exchange for an honest review.
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My makeup drawer is full of products ranging from drugstore-branded brushes (Shoppers Drug Mart) to name-brand blushes (Nars), makeup palettes (Mac) and everything in between. However, mostly due to its high cost, I've never used a Yves St Laurent... +
My makeup drawer is full of products ranging from drugstore-branded brushes (Shoppers Drug Mart) to name-brand blushes (Nars), makeup palettes (Mac) and everything in between. However, mostly due to its high cost, I've never used a Yves St Laurent product. While mascara is one of those products that you should be replacing every 3-6 months... I suspect we've all been guilty of keeping at least one of our trusty wands for years!
Not to discount the mascara's effectiveness, but the thing I love most about this product is its packaging! Its a long tube with nearly 10 ml worth of product and the logo is clearly yet beautifully wrapped around the top, just beneath the wand. The best part: it clicks in place when securely closed, which is something I've never seen any other mascara package do! This keeps its contents sealed from air, keeping in the moisture and making the mascara last even longer.
Its easy to apply and glides on easily. A few strokes on each lash and they are ready for lift off. Like the package advertises, the formula is definitely waterproof... to the point where removing the product off your lashes proves difficult. Typically I use my "makeup eraser" cloth plus makeup removing lotion (Avon for the win!) after a long day. But I found I had to use my fingertips to massage the product off my lashes for a minute before it came off. True to its claim, it is definitely waterproof!
Overall, a fantastic product and well worth its $40ish price tag. Thanks Butterly for providing this product in exchange for my honest opinion.
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They say that scent is one of the strongest senses, allowing you to travel back to the time in your life when that smell was prevalent. So I can think of no better time than to wear this during my upcoming vacation to remember the sounds of music... +
They say that scent is one of the strongest senses, allowing you to travel back to the time in your life when that smell was prevalent. So I can think of no better time than to wear this during my upcoming vacation to remember the sounds of music and starry nights surrounded by friends!
This perfume sample was thanks to @thisisbutterly , who paired up with Clean Reserve to give us a lovely little perfume roller, perfect for traveling. Its larger than most travel-friendly mini perfumes, making it easy to slide in your purse’s mini pocket while on your way out. True to the brand, the package is very simple and really evokes its minimalist style. I received the brilliant peony scent (one of my favourite flowers), which is super floral without being overly powerful. It stays on for many hours, making it the perfect scent for those who like to leave a gentle floral musk in their wake.
I received this sample in exchange for my honest opinion on the product. Thank you Butterly!
- Product received for free from CLEAN RESERVE (Canada) in exchange for an honest review.
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For my next Aveeno adventure, I had the pleasure of testing out their calm & restore age renewal serum. If you had asked me when I was younger if I had sensitive skin I would have scoffed at the mere thought of it. But now, I find the more products... +
For my next Aveeno adventure, I had the pleasure of testing out their calm & restore age renewal serum. If you had asked me when I was younger if I had sensitive skin I would have scoffed at the mere thought of it. But now, I find the more products I put on my skin the higher the likelihood of a breakout. Serums especially are a hit-or-miss for me and unfortunately, this was one was a miss.
I tend to stay away from products with retinol, as I find they emphasize my already naturally reddened facial features. Despite this serum made with a cranberry extract (which is a plant-based retinol alternative), the unfavourable result was the same: it left a tingling-near-burning sensation on my skin. I decided to give it a couple of more chances (maybe my skin was just extra sensitive one night?), but after it persisted, I washed it all off.
Although this serum didn't work for me, I did appreciate the clean packaging and the appearance and weight of the frosted glass bottle.
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Being the *ahem* ripe age of 31, I am no stranger to a mirror. Despite getting a full night's sleep, I recognize the dark circles under my eyes but simply had no reason to tackle the problem. Thankfully, Butterly came to the rescue with some age... +
Being the *ahem* ripe age of 31, I am no stranger to a mirror. Despite getting a full night's sleep, I recognize the dark circles under my eyes but simply had no reason to tackle the problem. Thankfully, Butterly came to the rescue with some age renewal eye gel courtesy of Aveeno.
I dabbed a small amount of product using my ring finger, which gets the least amount of work throughout the day and is therefore the least dominant finger. Because the skin beneath your eye is sensitive, it makes sense to use the lightest of touches when applying the gel. I found the texture very smooth and soothing to the touch and applied it in the morning and before bed. I allowed myself a week before looking for any immediate results and while I didn't find any drastic improvements, my skin looked less puffy when I woke up in the morning. I'll happily continue this product in order to promote smoother, brighter-looking skin. This product is approximately $30 on store shelves, so I would recommend it to anyone wanting to visibly reduce redness and dark circles beneath their eyes.
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I’ve never purchased anything from Grown Alchemist before, but now that I’ve tried out their soap and lotion, I may just branch out! 🧴 First off, I adore the packaging, which reminds me of old apothecary jars. The body cleanser (aka soap)... +
I’ve never purchased anything from Grown Alchemist before, but now that I’ve tried out their soap and lotion, I may just branch out! 🧴
First off, I adore the packaging, which reminds me of old apothecary jars. The body cleanser (aka soap) is a smaller than the body cream (lotion), but both come with a super handy pump. The soap has plenty of suds and the lotion is supwr moiturizing and glided on very easily.
My only qualm with both is the overpowering scent of rosemary, especially with the soap. In addition to the rosemary, the lotion had fresh hints of mandarin which really helped lighten the scent.
- Product received for free from Butterly.com in exchange for an honest review.
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I’ve never purchased anything from Grown Alchemist before, but now that I’ve tried out their soap and lotion, I may just branch out! 🧴 First off, I adore the packaging, which reminds me of old apothecary jars. The body cleanser (aka soap)... +
I’ve never purchased anything from Grown Alchemist before, but now that I’ve tried out their soap and lotion, I may just branch out! 🧴
First off, I adore the packaging, which reminds me of old apothecary jars. The body cleanser (aka soap) is a smaller than the body cream (lotion), but both come with a super handy pump. The soap has plenty of suds and the lotion is supwr moiturizing and glided on very easily.
My only qualm with both is the overpowering scent of rosemary, especially with the soap. In addition to the rosemary, the lotion had fresh hints of mandarin which really helped lighten the scent.
Thanks Butterly for providing this free product in exchange for my honest review!
- Product received for free from Butterly.com in exchange for an honest review.
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I've been using re-usable grocery bags for my fruits and vegetables for years. And while I've wanted to purchase reusable bags for small snacks (think dry good like granola or even fruits like strawberries), I didn't know which brand to choose -... +
I've been using re-usable grocery bags for my fruits and vegetables for years. And while I've wanted to purchase reusable bags for small snacks (think dry good like granola or even fruits like strawberries), I didn't know which brand to choose - plus, they were pretty expensive!
Lo and behold, this beauty came in the mail at just the right time to help store some sunflowers from this year's harvest! I liked that it was relatively see-through, sealed well, and easy to clean. What I didnt like was its silicone texture, which made things like dirt stick onto the outside VERY easily and felt terrible on your hands. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to get into the reusable bags, but be mindful of how dirty it gets.
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Like a goddess shining bright light upon us mundane creatures, so did Butterly bestow upon us one of the greatest test subjects of all time: the Trojan Duet vibrator (for all you and your partner’s intimate needs!) At first glance, the... +
Like a goddess shining bright light upon us mundane creatures, so did Butterly bestow upon us one of the greatest test subjects of all time: the Trojan Duet vibrator (for all you and your partner’s intimate needs!)
At first glance, the packaging is a beautiful matte purple, which matches the massager's colour to a T! While it is designed for couple’s play, I see it being more useful for her than for him, as the ring’s vibration is quite subtle in comparison to the wand. This super-flexible silicone pleasure-giver has 10 vibration settings, charges super quickly and best of all, is 100% water resistant. But in my opinion, its best feature is the wand’s design, which is slightly wider at its tip than the rest of its length, which keeps the vibrator “in place” after even the most strenuous of activities. 👀
Because its such an easily recognizable brand, I find Trojan toys a little disappointing (exhibit A: its teeny tiny bullet). But this massager has really got me re-considering this brand for more than just its rubber raincoats.
- Product received for free from Butterly.com in exchange for an honest review.
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Despite (still!) undergoing kitchen renovations, working in my temporary basement kitchen has not deterred me from baking! And with Fall in full swing, it was time to bust out the loaf pan and get to work on one of my favourite Canadian Living... +
Despite (still!) undergoing kitchen renovations, working in my temporary basement kitchen has not deterred me from baking! And with Fall in full swing, it was time to bust out the loaf pan and get to work on one of my favourite Canadian Living recipes. This 2013 recipe incorporates all the tasty nods to fall such as brown sugar, cinnamon and (of course) lots of butter.
While still perfectly functional, my loaf pan was on the tail end of its life and an upgrade was definitely needed. Butterly sent my a 100% silicone loaf pan from Paderno, which you can purchase at your local Canadian Tire. Although made of silicone, the steel frame made it feel very sturdy. The recipe called for the use of parchment paper so I wasn't able to test its silicone non-stick properties. But cleaning it was very quick work and nothing stuck on to the mold. Overall, I give this mold a 10/10!
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